Although the appeal of the former option is obvious when written in plain text, we often uknowingly choose the latter at the expense of our health. Just take a look at the tags tucked away in your closet or the scarf wrapped perfectly around your neck, and you’ll probably find more than one item made with polyester, acrylic, nylon, or rayon.

Unfortunately, these materials are connected to cancer causing substances, respiratory problems and skin allergies. Many artificial dyes in your clothes and accessories are also made with formaldehyde which is a skin irritant and linked to lung cancer.

It almost seems too unnatural to be true, but due to the Federal Trade Commission’s minimal requirements, the fashion industry continues to create products riddled with unregulated, dangerous chemicals. Not only are these toxic fabrics coming in contact with our skin day to day, new research suggests we may also be ingesting them.

While this news is shocking, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Over the past decade, there has been a growing awareness of how toxic these chemicals, metals, and phthalates are to our health. As this important information has become more mainstream, ethical, sustainable materials and practices are slowly being prioritized.

We can begin making safer clothing choices by researching the ethical pillars of the companies from which we buy, and by investing in natural, organic fabrics like cotton, linen, and silk.

Silk is an integral fabric of the Lions in Four brand because of its sustainable, high-quality characteristics. Our natural dying process creates stylish, impactful colors and designs for all the chic vibes, sans toxins.

The caustic effects and health dangers of chemically laden clothing should make us rethink our purchasing habits. By choosing brands that are dedicated to non-toxic, sustainable practices, we can change the fashion industry’s dangerous footprint to one that’s healthier for us and for generations to come.